The Los Angeles Kings have spent the majority of this season waiting on forward Viktor Arvidsson to return from injury.
He was injured just before the start of the regular season, requiring surgery which ruled him out for the entire first half of the season.
He returned in February soon after the All-Star break but was injured again in the first shift of his fourth game.
The wait for Arvidsson's return began again.
When the team's struggled, the return of Arvidsson has often been seen as a ray of hope for the Kings.
Something for the organization and fans to hold onto as a missing piece for a roster with very little flexibility.
In the games he played, the Kings went 4-0 (really 3-0 considering his early departure in the fourth game) and were clearly improved by his presence.
Back on the second line with Trevor Moore and Philip Danault, it gave the Kings more flexibility to load up their third line and give them the forward depth Rob Blake promised.
On Monday, Arvidsson practiced with the team in a white jersey, indicating he's cleared for contact again.
After practice, Jim Hiller said Arvidsson is "close" to being ready for game action Tuesday night.
Arvidsson skated with Trevor Lewis and Alex Turcotte on the fourth line Monday, with Blake Lizotte moving to wing on the third line.
There's no guarantee right now that Arvidsson plays Tuesday and no guarantee he plays on the fourth line, but limiting his minutes would make sense.
He also might be practicing with the fourth line because they are uncertain if he'll be ready to play.
Either way, it feels like Arvidsson will be back no later than this Saturday and as early as Tuesday.
Letting him sit one of the back-to-backs would also make sense. We saw what happened when he was overused after returning from injury last month.
The Kings would be smart to ease Arvidsson back in and get him back to 100% for the playoffs.
Arvidsson also didn't take reps on the power play, but will be a welcome addition as a right shot when he's available to either unit.
If he's activated, it also means someone will have to go back to Ontario, with Turcotte as an easy option given his waiver exemption.
Alex Laferriere is also an option but given his locked down spot in the top nine that feels unlikely.